The music of Bahrain is part of the Persian Gulf folk traditions. Alongside Kuwait, it is known for sawt music, a bluesy genre influenced by African, Indian and Persian music. Sultan Hamid, Ali Bahar and Khaled El Sheikh (a singer and oud player) are among the most popular musicians from Bahrain.

Bahrain music is also part of the Gulf folk traditions. The most popular genre is South – compositions performed on three instruments: oud, rebab and percussion. South has developed under the influence of African, Indian and Persian music. The most famous performers in this genre are the duet of Sultan Hamid Ali Bahar (vocals) and Khalid al-Sheikh (oud).